A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lagos vs. Bari for Food, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Lagos or Bari?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lagos and Bari. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Lagos

Lagos is a vibrant, beautiful, and scenic resort town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Bari

Bari is a authentic, local, and cultural port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Lagos and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lagos or Bari?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bari than Lagos, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bari is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, and big city activities, while Lagos is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Lagos is more touristy than Bari and is popular for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. Bari is well known for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. Also, Bari is famous for San Nicola.

How is Lagos different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bari and Lagos. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lagos or Bari?

Bari is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Bari. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Lagos or Bari? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bari is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Lagos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Bari, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

Lagos has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

Is Lagos or Bari Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Lagos and Bari.

Lagos is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

Many people head to Bari for the nightlife scene. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

Is Lagos or Bari Better for Resorts?

Lagos is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Bari is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Lagos for its luxury resorts. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

Bari is not a resort destination.

Is Lagos or Bari Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos is a great resort town for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bari is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Lagos. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

Bari is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lagos or Bari Better for Beaches?

Lagos is terrific for the beach. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its beaches.

Lagos offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

Bari is a good option for a beach vacation. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Is Lagos or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Bari is well known for its historic old town. However, Lagos does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Bari. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Lagos does not have a historic old town.

Is Lagos or Bari Better for Hiking?

Lagos is a great resort town for hiking. However, Bari is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Lagos for the hiking trails. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

Bari is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lagos or Bari?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bari and Lagos.

Lagos is a great destination for shopping. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bari. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Lagos or Bari Better for Families?

Lagos is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Lagos is very family-friendly. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

Bari is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

Is Lagos or Bari Better for Couples?

Lagos is terrific for couples. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

Lagos is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

Bari is a nice destination for couples. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Lagos or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lagos is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Lagos, as it is a very popular resort town for budget travelers. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy to meet other travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Bari. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

Is Lagos or Bari Better for Students?

Bari is well known for students. However, Lagos is not popular with students.

Many students visit Bari. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

Lagos is not popular with students.

Is Lagos or Bari Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bari is a good destination for its public transit. However, Lagos is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Bari, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Is Lagos or Bari a more walkable city?

Bari is well known for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

Bari is very walkable. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

Lagos is not a very walkable resort town. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.

For even more information, also check out Is Lagos Worth Visiting? and Is Bari Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bari or Lagos?

How long in Lagos or Bari?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lagos and Bari. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lagos than in Bari. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Lagos, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bari.

Families should spend more time in Lagos than Bari. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Lagos, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Lagos than Bari. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Lagos that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lagos than Bari if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Lagos.

One day in Lagos or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Lagos. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Bari, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this local destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Lagos or Bari?

Lagos is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bari. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Lagos or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the vibrant destination of Lagos. This resort town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Bari is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bari. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lagos or Bari?

The vibrant resort town of Lagos offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic destination of Bari. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Lagos and Bari, we can see that Lagos is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lagos Expensive? and Is Bari Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lagos or Bari?

Bari has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Lagos and Bari, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Lagos or Bari?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Lagos or Bari in the Summer?

Both Bari and Lagos during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Lagos because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bari this time of year.

In July, Lagos is generally around the same temperature as Bari. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 25°C (77°F), and Bari fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. Lagos usually gets more rain in July than Bari. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Bari in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and Bari. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lagos this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bari for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Lagos is a little warmer than Bari in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Bari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Lagos usually receives more rain than Bari. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lagos or Bari in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lagos as well as Bari. Many travelers come to Lagos for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Bari in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Lagos is much warmer than Bari. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lagos in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Bari averages at about 10°C (49°F).

Lagos usually gets less rain in January than Bari. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Bari in the Spring?

Both Bari and Lagos are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lagos in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Bari for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Lagos is generally much warmer than Bari. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 28°C (82°F), and Bari fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Lagos. In April, Lagos usually receives more rain than Bari. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bari and Lagos